Bacteria Builds up Fast in the Office! Here's How to Deal With it.

Because of the enclosed environment of an office, your workspace can become a breeding ground for infectious bacteria and germs. Whether your workplace is open for customers and business associates or purely for you and your staff, there are ways to reduce the spread of illness and protect yourself and others in your office. There are means of maintaining a healthy workforce. 

Where are germs mostly found in the office?

Studies show that some surfaces in an office harbour more germs than a kitchen cutting board, a pet’s food dish, and a toilet seat! The most contaminated areas of an office usually are: 

• sink faucet handles
• microwave door handles
• mugs
• keyboards
• refrigerator door handles
• water fountain buttons
• vending machine buttons
• coffee pot or kettle
• phones 
• computer equipment
• door knobs
• copier buttons 
• desks  

What you can do about it:

While the number and variety of germ-laden locations in an office may seem overwhelming, the solutions are not complicated. 

• Provide hand sanitizer at every workstation: A bottle of high-quality hand sanitizer at each desk goes a long way to curbing the spread of germs. Most hand sanitizers kill up to 99.9% of bacteria. Choose one enriched with Aloe so it isn’t harsh on the hands. 

• Use disinfectant wipes: Think of your desks and workspaces like you do your kitchen counter. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes once a day. This includes door handles, computer monitors, keyboards, mice, kitchenettes, copiers and water dispensers. Look for wipes that are biodegradable.

• Encourage sick employees to stay home: Though sick days can be expensive, it’s not a good idea to compel employees to come to work while sick. They’ll underperform and spread germs to others. Staying home when sick speeds healing and stop the spread of germs in the workplace. 

• Use a steam humidifier: Controlling temperature, air quality and relative humidity help create a healthy work environment. A steam humidifier with evaporative cooler technology reduces indoor temperatures (like air conditioning) while filtering bacteria and toxins and introducing hydrated air. This technology saves on energy bills while reducing the spread of germs and infectious microbes; reducing absenteeism and keeping employees healthier. 

• Educate your employees: Educating workers about the spread of bacteria and germs have a significant impact on office wellbeing and health. Use signage, memos, briefings and meetings to inform workers regarding healthy workplace habits. Lead by example, utilizing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes and staying home when you’re ill. 

• Hire a professional office cleaning service: As your workers are not employed to be cleaning staff, you need the services of a professional cleaning company. Professional office cleaners work with you to set a schedule that suits your premises and can provide daily and/or weekly cleaning to suit your needs. A professionally cleaned and sanitized office boosts productivity and morale and reduces illness. These companies have the knowledge, experience, equipment and expertise to help keep bacteria and germs under control. 

You may be unaware of the number of bacteria and germs that can be found in a workplace! Enlist your employees in the effort to keep the work environment clean and healthy. Invest in technology to promote a hygienic workspace. Involve a reputable cleaning company in your office cleaning strategy. Decrease the spread of germs and bacteria and reduce illness with proper education and cleanliness in the workplace.

Want help reducing bacteria and germs in the workplace? Looking for a commercial cleaning company that will meet your business’ specific needs? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial, office cleaning and post-construction services. Contact us today!